Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Weekend What's What 2/27-3/2

ART SAVES

l'étoile is a big believer in the healing powers of art and music - the way hearing a song can re-create a perfect moment in time and make you smile, or how throwing yourself into a crazy art project can take you from depressed to inspired in two seconds flat! This weekend is filled with enough art and music to definitely keep you up and at 'em. From the electronic music scene rallying around one of their own to help in a crisis, to a rockin' release party for, of all things, a typeface, l'étoile's got you covered from A to Z.

xo-l'étoile

Photo Credit Amy Pierce for l'étoile

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 27TH

Men

@ The Kitty Cat Klub14th & 4thDinkytown

10pm / 21+ / $10 adv - $12 door

New York electro cuties JD & Jo from Le Tigre make an under-hyped stop in the MPLS for a show at the Kitty Cat Klub before they head to SXSW. Hey Willpower and Jonathan Ackerman open.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MEN MYSPACE

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 28TH

Slavic Love

@ Bryant Lake BowlLake & BryantUptown

10pm / $10-$15 sliding scale

Local thespian Dylan Fresco (who also happens to have the best eyebrows in town) hosts an evening of Russian music, poetry, and song as part of the Twin Cities Chekhov Festival. Join Fresco and a cast of seven others, who will each share their love of Russian culture through performance.

Fearless Filmmakers is proud to present "Fearless Females", a showcase of some of the best local filmmakers, who just happen to be of the female persuasion. See animations, documentaries, and narratives by Melody Gilbert, Gayle Knutson and more.

Be sure to pop into Hands in the Dark tonight for this special triple-header edition! Not only can you indulge your inner fancy-pants with $2.50 Cosmos, but you can dance the night away to the hot sounds of Jonathan Ackerman, Millions Billions, and DJ Bach.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE HANDS IN THE DARK MYSPACE

FRIDAY ART PICK: ERAN CREEVY

While some may not consider the hilarious and infamous MC Hammer dance move "The Running Man" art, we beg to differ. British Director Eran Creevy manages to make the RM cool again in this video for Utah Saints 2008 remix of "Something Good". Creevy has a small but killer portfolio under his belt with music vids for artists such as Asher D, Alex Guadino, and more.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 29TH

Black Slabbath/YWFT Typeface Release Party

@ Hexagon2600 27th Ave. SMinneapolis

10pm / 21+ / Free

Internationally renowned design group, YouWorkForThem is pleased to announce the release of their latest typeface, "Black Slabbath", the heaviest typeface in the world! Join YWFT for this colossal font's coming out party tonight at the Hex - Sit back, contemplate typography, slam a few cheap domestic beers, and enjoy some brutal sonic frequencies courtesy of Birthday Suits, Building Better Bombs, and Strut & Shock.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE YWFT SITE

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 29TH

The Spark Festival

@ Various LocationsMinneapolis

The Spark Festival, a yearly electronic music and art showcase and lecture series, kicked off on Tuesday but not to worry, we've got your weekend covered with the best events for the electronically party-prone. Click HERE for the entire schedule.

Not familiar with the festival? We've scored an interview with James Hungelmann aka James Patrick, a local DJ and organizer/curator of the Spark Festival...

Can you give us a quick history of the Spark Festival and yourself as organizer?

Sure! The Spark Festival is a product of the West Bank school of music at the U of M. In it's sixth year now, the festival has gone through many adaptations, in attempt to meet the needs of technology artists worldwide, and also to optimize funding/support throughout the city.

The role of the Spark Festival is to showcase modern artistic techniques. We COULD say "technology", but in the world of "modern techniques", that pretty much goes without saying. We host all sorts of art, especially this year. A wonderful "new media" artist (with a great background) by the name of Ali Momeni has recently climbed on board with us, and his presence has allowed Spark the ability to make waves in all sorts of creative realms (outside of just music). "Modern performance that you've gotta plug in" is a casual tag-line I'm now using, among friends.

My role as an organizer/curator has been underway for 3 years now. The Spark's initial momentum was one of strictly academic standings, yet the original team of organizers wanted more...I guess that's where I come in. My background is also in "technology art," yet I have leaned more on the roles of "entertainment" and "general party nonsense" than the average computer music artist. It is through my work in the underground music community of minneapolis, and also my role as a minimalist/avant garde composer/producer, that finds me working with such a project. It's very exciting for me, to fuse these worlds of academia and entertainment. I think it's exciting too, for the "new media" composer, to find him or herself performing outside of the auditorium realm. (the yelling and clinking of beer glasses is just something you have to get used to).

Richard Devine is back again this year (we totally love him), what makes his work unique?

Haha! Your love of him only inspires me to continue working with l'étoile! He is truly amazing. To answer this question, you might be best off attending one of his workshops, primarily "making music with Richard Devine," scheduled for 8pm on Thursday night at the Whole in Coffman Union. If your schedule won't allow it, be sure to check his Biography. Working with artists such as Aphex Twin and Autechre is only a small portion of Richard's diverse repertoire. This will be the 3rd time I've hosted him here in Minneapolis, and every time is a mind melter. He's amazing, and also one of the most eloquent, kind, fun, positive people I've ever met!

Spark Festival dream guest?

Well, I'd speak on behalf of my fellow computer music artists, and say that Richard D James aka Aphex Twin would be a dream artist. I'd also give my right arm to see/hear Bjork play for us...But on a deeper level, possibly Matthew Herbert, or even possibly Joachem Paap (speedyJ) and Scott Pagano.

A more information as well as a complete schedule for the festival can be found at the link below.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SPARK FESTIVAL SITE

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 29TH

American Face Pillow

@ Caffetto708 West 22nd St.Minneapolis

All Day / Free

If you were one of the lucky few to find an American Face Pillow in a random snow bank, on a stoop, or in a strange public locale, then you already know the drill. For those not in the know, these cool handmade pillows were dropped throughout the city, with instructions for the lucky finder to bring said pillow to Caffetto coffee shop. Today is the last day of the exhibit before the pillows are reclaimed. Snap up a pillow of your very own as well!

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 29TH

Made at MCAD

@ MCAD2501 Stevens Ave. SMinneapolis

6-8pm / Free

Stop by MCAD tonight to catch a glimpse into the minds of the school's talented arsenal of artists in this juried exhibition. Juried by Walker Art Center Assistant Curator Yasmil Raymond and Twin Cities Illustrator Eric Hanson.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM

COOL LINK: CULTURE BULLY

Local music lover Chris DeLine has been blogging with a vengeance since 2005. Culture Bully is a Minneapolis-based music blog that provides daily updates including news, tour information, band features, album reviews and interviews on both national and local levels, all put together in a fun and pleasing format for both your eyes and ears.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE CULTURE BULLY SITE

SATURDAY MARCH 1ST

BLACK featuring Nik Gunz Benefit

@ The VIP Room701 1st Ave. NDowntown Mpls

10pm / 18+ / $5

If you dabble in the local electronic music scene, you know Nik Gunz. A staple in Twin Cities techno, Gunz has been getting the masses dancing for many-a-year. What you may not know, is that Nik was diagnosed with a form of cancer many years ago and managed to beat it. Recently, however, during a lapse in insurance coverage, he became ill and had to undergo extensive testing related to the cancer. Tonight his friends throw a benefit to beat all benefits, featuring a silent auction and every DJ worth their salt throwing down in the name of Nik Gunz! Join theDEVIOUSone, Oddio, Jon Hester, Jesse Jakob, Jonathan Ackerman, Dustin Zahn, Aaron Bliss and of course, Nik Gunz on this very special night.

As part of l'etoile's ongoing artist-on-artist series, we asked local electronic music pioneer and legendary party-starter Zak Khutoretsky aka theDEVIOUSone to interview Mr. Gunz....

Lets get the basics out of the way. Who are you? What do you do, professionally and personally? How old are you? How long have you been involved in music? Blondes, brunettes or redheads? Be careful, I know your married...

Well, I’m a married 29 year old who lives with his wife, dog and cat in Uptown. Professionally I work for a marketing company as the Program Manager for the Camel Cigarette nightclub event program. I’ve been involved in dance music since 1994, starting in Milwaukee promoting rave events. I was a sophmore in high school, and sneaking into the city on the weekends to get down. I can remember the first event that I was ever involved in - my mom drove me there, and rented a hotel room for me down the road from the venue. Lastly, my wife is blonde, and I like her that way.

Since we are all coming together for a good cause on march 1st, that cause being YOU, would you say that the Minneapolis Underground is a tight knit community?Any comments/opinions on why things are so?Minneapolis has a super tight knit underground dance community. A few people seem to come and go, but a lot of the original core members are still around and kicking. Minneapolis has always been a very welcoming city for music in general – and the dance scene is definitely no exception. It’s really easy to catch a “high” from being involved here – once you catch the fever, you’re in for the ride.

Nik E. Gunz? Whats the name mean? Are you packing heat?

Are you always “devious”? Is Aaron always full of “bliss”? Seriously though, it’s nice to have an alter-ego. There’s a lot of people that know Nik E. Gunz, and quite a few less who know Nick Grzechowiak. It can be kind of strange at times. People form an impression of who you are from where you DJ, flyers you’re on and stories they’ve heard. I wish I had a good answer to where it came from...yeah, I’m packingheat.

People say music heals and in your case I would have to agree! Other than House music, what other genres interest you? What else do you listen to outside of the oonce, oonce?

Ha! When it comes to the “oonce, oonce” – acid, techno, speed garage, and disco all hold a spot in my heart for different reasons. I don’t think you could’ve come up in the Midwest rave scene without digging on the sound of acid. Disco set the table for house, and I feel techno when I’m in a fist pumping mode. Outside of that, I’m a complete nerd for pop-punk, indie hip hop and horrible 80’s jams. Seriously, I’ll get a song stuck in my head for weeks. Current nightmare? Hall and Oates “Rich Girl”.

How do you feel about the whole vinyl vs. digital debate? Be careful or I’ll disown you...

There’s a whole group of people I know that are selling off their vinyl collections (and others who are taking advantage of this). I don’t think I’ll ever get to that point. I’ll admit that I’ve been using CDJ’s more and more during my sets and am pretty comfortable with them. There’s never been a time when music has been more accessible, yet at the same time completely oversaturated with horrible tracks. Even 5 years ago, a label needed to be completely confident with their releases. Today, it takes no more effort than hitting “upload” – and BAM! You’ve got a new release. When I’m booking out of state DJ’s, it’s still one of the first questions that I ask - “are you still playing vinyl?” A good DJ still needs to spend the time “digging” (either physically or virtually) for good music. Please don’t disown me...

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE NIK E. GUNZ MYSPACE

SATURDAY MARCH 1ST

Velodrama

@ One on One Bikes117 Washington Ave. NDowntown Mpls

7-11pm / $10

Attention bike enthusiasts! Head down to One on One Bikes this Saturday evening for a cycle-tastic soiree. Take in a fashion show, silent auction, and more, all to the soundtrack of the always danceworthy DJ Millions Billions.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ONE ON ONE SITE

SATURDAY MARCH 1ST

Richard Devine

@ The Nomad519 Cedar Ave. West Bank

10pm / 21+

Experimental electronic dynamo Richard Devine headlines this noisy and amazing show at the Nomad as part of the Spark Festival. Also on the bill: Freida Abtan, Greg Taylor, and Slutmachine.

Shoebox is at it again with their clever storefront-window-art-gallery, this time featuring a virtual aquarium watercolor exhibit by Martha Iserman. In brotherhood against the cold, socializing will take place inside the Obsidian Arts space, where Koffi Mbairmadji and his group of African artists are presenting their work as well.

An exhibit of the deliciously lush and off-beat paintings of Bruce Nygren opens tonight at Flanders Gallery. Stick around for an after party with Bruce Nygren and his band, The Mumblebugs from 9-11pm.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM

SATURDAY MARCH 1ST

AfterSPARK Electro Party

@ ARCFABemail jp@secrettechno.com for locationMinneapolis

2am / 21+ / $10 / BYOB

This impromptu after hours will blow you away with the wicked beats of BMG of Ectomorph, a longtime leader in electro sound, who just happens to be in town over Spark Festival weekend! Also on decks: Eidolon (one of the top emerging techno producers in America) and local boy Jobot who's record collection will kick your record collection's butt any day.

As always, enter quietly and respect the space and the area!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE ECTOMORPH MYSPACE

SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: DESIGNER DRUGS

Philadelphia duo Designer Drugs know how to get the party started (and shut down) right. Children of the rave heyday, the boys of Designer Drugs have both been DJing since the late nineties, eventually joining forces officially in 2006. This bangin' electro tag-team not only rocks a dance party the right way, but also creates original material and remixes that will have you bouncing in no time.

Dave Mondy and a sparkling cast re-invent the radio variety show for 21st Century - with a hipster twist. Featuring DJs Mike the 2600 King and King Otto, radio plays, quizzes, comedy and more. Recorded live at the Bryant Lake Bowl Theater each Sunday starting tonight, and podcast at the link below.

E-MAIL US

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l'etoile magazine
628 4th Street NE
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Minneapolis Mn 55413